HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two suspects on charges of possession of child pornography and animal abuse.
Upon receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, HCSO detectives began an investigation into an individual who had uploaded child pornography to a social media account. The investigation revealed that the suspect was Phillip Vanermine, 42, of Tampa.
A court-authorized search warrant was executed at Vanermine’s residence, and as a result, Vanermine was arrested. Additional images of child pornography were located following a forensic download of his cell phone. He remains incarcerated at this time.
Vanermine’s significant other, Jay Goebel, 30, who lives with Vanermine, was also found in possession of child pornography and subsequently taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed that Goebel had additional files of child pornography on his cell phone. Detective also found videos of Goebel engaging in sexual acts with an animal. Goebel remains in jail with no bond.
“This atrocious behavior has no place in our community, nor in society,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “It is illegal, it is heartless, and the work of evil. They will get what they deserve for their criminal acts, and that is time behind bars and a lifetime of regrets for this egregious and selfish behavior.”
Five dogs, seven cats, three snakes, and 11 cockatiels were surrendered voluntarily from the suspects’ home. Animal Control removed the animals and multiple shelters took them all in to adopt out to new families.
The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges could be forthcoming.
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